Phrases & SayingsPeople and character
put the acid on
Pressure someone for a favour, money or action; make a demand that is hard to resist.
In a sentence
In this historical or contextual use, “put the acid on” means pressure someone for a favour, money or action; make a demand that is hard to resist.
Where it came from
The Australian National Dictionary Centre records the Australian idiom from the early 20th century and notes it is still heard today.
- Initial era
- 1950–1999
- Where used
- Australian use; no narrower regional pattern established